The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied reports suggesting that he has backed any candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda.
Wike further stated that the emerging “Rainbow Coalition” — a political alliance made up of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), APC, Labour Party (LP), and Action Alliance (AA) — would collectively decide who emerges as the next governor of Rivers State.
He made the remarks on Saturday in Port Harcourt during a luncheon held for candidates of the coalition in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The former Rivers governor explained that no conclusive decision had been reached regarding the governorship ticket, noting that interested aspirants would still be given the chance to contest and demonstrate their political strength.
“In the Rainbow Coalition, we have not chosen who will be the governor of Rivers State. But we have party candidates who have emerged under the Rainbow Coalition. The only decision we have taken is that we are going to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said.
According to him, it would be inappropriate for anyone to conclude that any aspirant had already secured the coalition’s endorsement, stressing that such a decision would ultimately rest with the coalition’s leadership.
Wike, who has consistently maintained that he will influence the choice of his successor, said the coalition remains open to politicians willing to align with its agenda.
“If you want to be important in the politics of Rivers State, come and join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, come here. If you want to be senator, come here… You must come. If you don’t come, you cannot get it,” he said.
The minister explained that the coalition was established to serve as a common political platform that cuts across party affiliations, adding that consultations within the group would determine its eventual governorship candidate.
His remarks come amid increasing political uncertainty in the state and growing speculation surrounding the prospects of leading governorship contenders, including Hon. Kingsley Chinda.
The situation has been made more complex by ongoing legal battles concerning Chinda’s alleged defection and resignation as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Port Harcourt removed Chief Tony Okocha, a close ally of Wike, from his position as APC chairman in Rivers State, nullifying actions taken during his tenure.
Political analysts believe the judgment could significantly influence the APC’s internal dynamics as preparations for the 2027 elections continue in the state.
